Congressional Telecom Agenda

In a new report, the Congressional Research Service speculates about possible telecom reform legislation. CRS predicts the following issues will eventually be addressed: 1) Broadband Internet regulation concerning both broadband deployment in underserved rural areas and whether to apply legacy rules to new entrants. 2) Broadcast indecency. 3) The transition to digital television. 4) Restructuring the FCC -- proposals fall into 2 categories: procedural changes affecting day-to-day operations and Congressionally mandate policy changes affecting agency oversight of services and industry. 5) Intercarrier compensation. 6) Media ownership rules. Congress may provide guidance as the FCC revises its regulations to fit a 3rd U.S. Appeals Court, Philadelphia, decision overturning FCC rules relaxing multi-ownership restrictions. What's at stake is whether the rules block mergers that could be beneficial in promoting more in-depth local news coverage versus creating behemoths that reduce the number of independent voices in the market. 7) Municipal deployment of broadband. 8) Public safety communications. The public safety community wants Congress to assure release of spectrum at 700 MHz for public safety. Other issues include pressure for laws that require the FCC to support 911 call centers, expand emergency alert networks and assuring access to wireline and wireless lifeline telecom services. (9) The "Savings Clause" and Monopoly Issues. 10) Universal Service Fund reform. The Senate and House Commerce Committees want to figure out how to ensure proper management of the fund and overcome fraud, waste and abuse.